Universal Yarn Free Flying Cardi Cardigan Crochet Pattern

Universal Yarn Free Flying Cardi

What is Being Made

The Universal Yarn Free Flying Cardi is a hybrid cardigan that combines both knitting and crochet techniques in a single garment. Designed by Amy Gunderson, this cardigan features an A-line silhouette with a buttoned front closure. The garment is available in seven sizes ranging from Extra Small to 4X, with finished bust measurements from 34 inches to 66 inches and lengths between 24½ and 27¾ inches. The cardigan shown in the pattern is modeled in Small size with 7 inches of positive ease.

Techniques Used

This cardigan employs multiple construction techniques to create its distinctive design. The garment is worked flat in pieces, meaning each section is constructed separately before being seamed together. The main body of the cardigan uses a bottom-up construction method, building the garment from the hem upward. The design also incorporates top-down elements for certain sections. The combination of knitting and crochet creates visual interest, with the body knit in stockinette stitch and the hem and shoulders framed with crochet details. The seamed construction allows pieces to be joined together for a finished garment.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The Free Flying Cardi showcases several key stitches and stitch patterns. The main body is worked in stockinette stitch (St st) using knitting needles, creating a smooth, classic fabric. The crochet elements feature two primary stitch patterns:

• Shells: A decorative crochet stitch used to frame the hem and shoulders, creating an elegant textured border
• Mesh pattern: A lace-like crochet stitch worked in a multiple of 4 stitches plus 2. The mesh pattern alternates between rows of double crochet (dc) and chain stitches (ch), creating an open, airy fabric. Row 1 establishes the pattern with chains and double crochets, while Row 2 adds dimension by working double crochets into the chain spaces. This creates a repeating openwork design that adds visual lightness to the cardigan

The pattern notes indicate that the mesh stitch is worked as follows: chain 3 (which counts as a double crochet), double crochet in the next double crochet, then repeat a sequence of chain 2, skip 2 stitches, and double crochet in the next 2 stitches across the row. The second row fills in the chain spaces with additional double crochets while maintaining the chain-2 openings, creating the characteristic mesh appearance.

Materials

The Free Flying Cardi is designed to be worked in Universal Yarn Finn, a versatile blend yarn containing 50% acrylic, 25% superwash merino wool, and 25% alpaca. Each skein yields 230 yards and weighs 50 grams. The pattern calls for 110 Neptune (a color designation) in quantities ranging from 5 skeins for the Extra Small size to 10 skeins for the larger sizes.

The knitting portion requires US Size 5 (3.75 mm) straight needles or the size needed to achieve proper gauge. The crochet sections are worked with a US Size E-4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook, also sized to match gauge requirements. Additional notions include a tapestry needle for finishing and weaving in ends, plus 4 to 5 buttons (depending on size) measuring ⅝ inch in diameter for the front closure.

Gauge Information

Achieving proper gauge is essential for this project. The knit stockinette stitch sections should measure 22 stitches by 29 rows over 4 inches. The crochet mesh pattern has a different gauge of 22 stitches by 10 rows over 4 inches. The pattern emphasizes checking gauge before beginning to ensure the finished cardigan meets the intended measurements.